4 Must-dos when arriving to a new city

Below is a list of Must-Do activities that we recommend experiencing once arriving to a city. This listing  provides the traveler with a few Do-It-Yourself activities that helps make the virgin territory, uhm, well, deflowered (excuse the allusion). So go get you some!!

Change Currency

image by yoichi*

Once arriving to a new city/country its important to change your cash. Now where do you change it depends on the country and its rate system (e.g., in Italy the best rate you’ll find is at the airport; outside the airport the service fees will make your wad of cash very light). But take note that once landing you’ll want to at least change $20-$40 to have some local currency at hand for transportation and food. If you found how the rate system works before getting there then you should act accordingly. You’ll want to get the best rate either if its at the airport or the local bank.

Get to the hotel/hostel, but how?

image by Michael McDonough

You might say “DUH, of course”…but bare with me. The best and easiest way to get there is taking a taxi. Yes, it will most probably be the most expensive form of transportation, but it can be an informative ‘crash-course’ ride. You’ll be able to scope out landmarks either by the airport, train station or hotel. This is a good thing to do because more than likely you’ll get lost, and tall structural landmarks are like North Stars, they lead you back. Also, you’ll be able to budget your trip using the cost of the taxi ride when comparing it to the other forms of transportation: you’ll determine which is the most efficient and cost-effective method.

Grab the Hotel/Hostel map

image by Manaus Hostel

You’ll need to grab any kind of illustrated layout of the city. Anything that shows your hotel and about a 2 mile radius of the area. Usually the person at the reception desk has a free paper map with a very rough draft of the city. This item will come in handy when you’re discovering the region. You’ll save money and time (you won’t need to find a shop that sells maps); and it’s a great resource to have when you’re doing the next must-do below.

Take a walk and get lost

image by Anna Gay

So now that you’ve arrived at the hotel/hostel its time to get lost. You’ve seen the route the taxi took and spotted some landmarks along the way, so you’re about 10% knowledgable about your surrondings – now let’s give that percentage a boost. The best way to go about this is on foot, without referring to your map. Hands-on experience is the best way to remember the city’s layout. Getting lost provides you with an in-depth knowledge that can be referenced back when you’re actually lost! You’ll remember that particular coffee shop on the corner or that red house with the ugly-looking statue – these will serve as your “Oh, when we were lost” landmarks. But remember if you’re really lost please refer to the map you have in your back pocket. Plus, getting lost will allow you to discover restaurants, shops, etc., that you most likely wouldn’t find if you were sticking to a scheduled regiment.

If you have any to add, please comment away.